In terms of natural resources, Africa is the world's richest
continent. It has 50 percent of the world's gold, most of the
world's diamonds and chromium, 90 percent of the cobalt, 40 percent
of the world's potential hydroelectric power, 65 percent of the
manganese, millions of acres of untilled farmland as well as other
natural resources.

Despite its wealth of resources, Africa is home to the world's
most impoverished and abused people. Of the 41 black African
nations, only three (Senegal, Botswana and Mauritius) allow their
people the right to vote and choose their own leaders. Only two
(Botswana and Senegal) permit freedom of expression and criticism of
government policies. In countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi,
Mozambique, Sudan, Chad and others, ethnic genocide has taken the
lives of untold millions of innocent civilians. Slavery is still
practiced in the Sudan, and Mauritania.

African leaders are quick to blame the legacy of colonialism
for their troubles. I'll never make an argument for colonialism but
the fact of business is that the average African, was better off
under colonialism than they have been under independence. For
example, when Zaire became in independent in 1960, it had 31,000
miles of main roads; today, less than 3,500 remain usable. Before
independence, every African country was self-sufficient in food
production; today most depend on imports and others stand at the
brink of famine. At the time of independence, the average growth
rate among African countries was three percent. By 1980, it had
fallen to one percent and by 1990, a negative 2.8 percent. By
contrast, African countries with a greater measure of freedom and
stability, Botswana, Mauritius, Cameroon and Senegal, have growth
rates of 8, 4.4, 4.5 and 1 percent, respectively.

People who think more foreign aid is the solution should know
that the money either winds up in the hands of the elite and deposited in Swiss bank accounts or it's used to pay bribes to keep
corrupt governments in power. Some African chiefs of states are
among the world's richest men, such as Zaire's recently deposed
Mobutu. If foreign aid doesn't fall into the hands of kleptocrats,
it's used in ways that'd make a lunatic blush such as status symbols, factories and other projects of little or no use.

The legacy of colonialism, used so often by Africans, is a sham
excuse that can't hold water. After all some of the world's richest
countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and
Hong Kong were colonies. What's true about those ex-colonies that's
untrue about Africa? The answer is a no-brainer. There's a greater
measure of personal liberty, more secure private property rights,
more limited and honest government and rule of law.

These features are critical ingredients for peace and prosperity in any country, but even more so for African countries, some of
which have over 200 antagonistic ethnic groups. Switzerland was a
country with a history of bitter ethnic divisions whose citizens now
live in peace. That achievement was made possible by developing a
system of limited central government authority with most decisions
made at more local government units (cantons). Just as important in
conflict reduction was the development of respect for private
property, rule of law, and stability in their laws.

Oppressive regimes have always exported their most talented and
ambitious people to freer and richer countries. Africans who
migrate to the United States do well. As an American, I love that
but it's especially devastating for Africa.